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Publisher's Summary

"If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole lives would change." (Buddha)

Coming of age during China's Cultural Revolution, Benfu survived the cruel years, but he did not emerge unscathed. The Scavenger's Daughters is the story of Benfu and his beloved wife Calli, chronicling their attempts to build a life in the turmoil and aftermath of Maoist China. At the heart of their struggle lies the pain of losing their only child. To fill the terrible hole in their lives, they take in abandoned girls - the unwanted "weeds" - as their own, lovingly caring for them as flowers in a garden. Linnea, the oldest of the scavenger's daughters, embarks on a struggle of her own, as she falls in love with the son of a wealthy family.

Inspired by a true story, this poetic tale of modern-day China chronicles Benfu and Calli as they turn their path of hardship into a beautiful field of flowers.

This (fictional) tale of Chinese baby girls abandoned in various places, then picked up, cared for and loved by a gentle man and his wife who had lost their only child is one of the most moving, heartrending stories I've ever heard. Although fiction, the details of China's cultural revolution, during and after Mao's reign are factual. The Scavenger (trash collector) begins bringing home abandoned baby girls and he and his wife, name each one after flowers, raising them as their own. But never forgetting their own first little girl, Dahlia. Americans cannot fathom life in China. But The Scavenger's Daughters will give you a glimpse of it. It is rich in detail. You will begin to understand how things got the way they are in China, and you will shiver at the thought of it.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Estimated Prophet

Kansas City, MO

28/04/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Gripping Tale to the End"

What does Will Damron bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Very good narration of a wonderful story. The only downside is that Will Damron has not dug very deep to find out how the simple Chinese terms used in the book are actually pronounced. This won't bother many people, but for those of us who speak Chinese it was a bit annoying at times.

Any additional comments?

I am already into the sequel. Ms. Bratt knows how to tell a story and the characters are very compelling. Can't wait to find out what happens next.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

SusanKC

Kansas City, MO (for now)

13/06/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"BRILLIANT!"

This is one of the best books that I have ever read. It's content and presentation are poignant, life affirming, and restorative to one's soul. I eagerly look forward to listening to the remainder of this series.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

footlook94

05/03/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Touching story of love and devotion"

A beautifully written and preformed story of a Chinese man who is one of the most selfless, generous, loving, individuals I have had the opportunity to learn of. He came through tremendous adversity and lives barely above the level of poverty, but he is RICH! And so is this tale. I loved it! So heart warming, touching, and reminds the reader of what is truly important in this crazy world. Also gave an excellent background in the Chinese Cultural Revolution under the cruel and crazy dictator Mao Tze Tun! I will NEVER EVER UNDERSTAND how or why people fall for or follow the ideology of Communism!?! To keep our Freedoms at Any Cost is something we should all be willing to fight for until our last breath! For the education alone, this book was worthy of 5 stars and should be Mandatory Reading for All High School and College World History and Social Studies Students! As it is a beautiful, entertaining way to enlighten students as to some of what happened in China, and to become more compassionate and appreciative individuals. Look forward to more books by Kay Bratt

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Jonmontanavega

28/11/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Tears of sorry, tears of joy, for this male reader"

This male reader absolutely delighted in this tale of a financially poor Chinese couple who raised more than 20 orphaned girls. Girls unwanted because of poverty, medical conditions, China's one-child policy or simply the preference - shared by many cultures - for male babies.

For fans of authors such as Catherine Ryan Hyde (Pay It Forward and many others), Charles Martin, or Nicholas Sparks, this is a must read book.

Also, for men who treasure children. Just saying, guys.

My disclaimer: I don't know the author, and I wasn't asked to review the book, which I purchased.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Amy

17/11/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"book needs a chinese speaking narrator"

Have you listened to any of Will Damron’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Will Damron is a great narrator, but it's such a shame they didn't have someone else narrate all the Chinese, or at least teach him that "yeye" is not pronounced "yay yay"... "xie xie" is NOT "shee shee"... these words are throughout the entire book and it pains my ears to hear him butcher such a beautiful language.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Kathleen L.

15/06/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Touching, Insightful and Educational Story"

I learned a bit more about Chinese history and quite a bit more about unsurprisingly carrying and generosity!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

mlfarr

04/12/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Beautiful story."

I loved every word of this story! Filled with so much love, compassion, tenderness, joy and fulfillment. This is what life should be all about. I was so inspired by the moral upbringing this man gave to his daughters and the love and commitment to his sweet companion. Thanks for this inspiring book!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Ann Reinten

29/08/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Such an inspiring story"

I've allayed loved China and Chinese history but this story showed apart of China rarely seen. Beautifully written and masterfully narrated, The Scavenger's Daughters is a must for those who believe in compassion and love.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Darlene McCourt

11/04/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Must read."

Loved LOVED this book. It was sweet, yet educational regarding the opinion of China during their "one child" rule. I was sad to see the book end. Great character portrayal.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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